Romiplostim for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adult patients who are refractory to other treatments


featured image
Therapeutic Areas: Haematology
Year: 2019

Romiplostim is a medicinal product that is being developed for the treatment of adult patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who are refractory to other treatments. ITP is the condition of having a low platelet count due to unknown cause. It is also known as immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Many people with ITP do not have symptoms, however people with very low platelet count can have symptoms such as pin prick rash, easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeds, black mouth blisters, fatigue, and heavy periods. Most of the currently available treatments have significant side effects with some treatments leaving patients are at increased risk of infections.
Romiplostim stimulates the production of platelets thereby increasing blood platelet counts and reducing the risk of bleeding. Romiplostim mimics the action of a hormone called thrombopoietin that normally stimulates the production of platelets in the bone marrow. Romiplostim is already licensed in the UK for the treatment of chronic ITP, i.e. those with disease duration of more than 12 months, who are refractory to other treatments. If licensed, romiplostim will offer a new treatment option for adult patients with ITP with disease duration of less than 12 months, who are refractory to other treatments.